Many of my speech coaching clients have difficulty memorably closing their presentations. Like a great opening that arouses interest in your subject, your closing words should support your message and leave a lasting impression on your audience.
Whatever you do, don’t end with: “Well, we’re out of time.” Even if it’s true, it weakens your conclusion. Avoid thanking the audience as your final statement—it’s polite but forgettable. Before you close, you can say, “Thank you for your enthusiasm and great questions. Last story…”
Never assume you can “wing it.” A well-crafted conclusion is as critical as a strong opening.
Plan it. Script it. Rehearse it. Deliver it.
Here is the unforgettable six-step process to close your presentation:
- Ask a Rhetorical Question Based on Your Premise
For example, if your topic is sales, begin the close with: “How can you double your sales with your current client list?” This reinforces your central theme while encouraging reflection.
- Review Your Key Points of Wisdom
Recap your main ideas, tying each to one of your examples or taglines. For instance, in my talk on presentation skills, I might say, “Remember, Michael Caine says, ‘Rehearsal is the work, performance is the relaxation.’ Would practicing on the treadmill or your morning walk work for you as it does for me?” This approach reinforces learning and helps the audience retain your message.
- Challenge Your Audience
Connecting your message to their needs can inspire action. Remind them of the benefits of applying what they’ve learned. For example, “Will you be the one who elevates your team’s communication and drives results?” Challenges ignite motivation.
- Call Them to Action
Specific actions lead to real change. Encourage your audience to act immediately. For example, say, “Take 10 minutes today to outline your next presentation,” or “Commit to one new habit that will transform your communication.” Clear steps make your ideas actionable.
- Revisit Your Opening
Bring your presentation full circle by referencing your opening. This is the circular technique. Even if you do not choose to use it, you will be well served to revisit your opening remarks when preparing your close. If you began with a story or question, return to it. For instance, if you begin with a story of a person with a challenge that your presentation solves, you can close with, “Three months ago Brenda called and said, ‘I would not have believed it possible that…’ You now give the audience an example of what happened when Brenda incorporated the techniques they just learned.
- Let Your Last Words Linger
Your first five steps do work as they are. When your audience is satisfied and feels you have closed, you take two steps forward in silence and say, “Remember…” Then, repeat your best or main idea or quote. This is usually my Frippicisms®, such as “Remember, all learning requires repetition and reinforcement.” Or, “Remember, don’t celebrate closing a sale. Celebrate opening a relationship.”
The Art of Unforgettable Closings
Following these six steps transforms your closing from an ordinary goodbye into a powerful, memorable finale. Remember, the end of your presentation is your final opportunity to influence and inspire your audience. Make it count. With careful planning and a touch of creativity, your last words can echo in the minds of your audience long after you’ve left the stage.
If you need help, let’s talk.
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Executive Speech Coach and Hall of Fame Keynote Speaker Patricia Fripp helps individuals and companies gain a competitive edge by improving essential conversations and presentations.